Our guide to the best après and party ski resorts

Arguably the birthplace of après ski, Austria has some of the best après bars in the world.

Mayrhofen: If you crave a buzzing ski resort, packed with lots of entertainment, then let us introduce you to Mayrhofen. Perfect for big groups, this massive party town is your best choice for late-night pubs, bars and clubs, and also has some exciting après bars on its wide pistes.
Start your après in one of the mountain huts, like the über cool White Lounge. Finish your night at a former police station, and aptly named Scotland Yard for some British beer.

Saalbach and Hinterglemm: In the Austrian Alps, Saalbach and Hinterglemm stand out as prime après ski spots. From cosy ski huts, off-piste and umbrella bars, pubs and clubs, you’re invited to dance on the table tops with your ski boots on. Take your pick from over 40 après venues, including the quirky disco at Goaßstall in Hinterglemm.

Zell am See: Zell am See delivers a more traditional après ski where the locals often join in with the fun. Schnaps Hans Alm-Bar is the biggest post-ski party in the resort. Dance your heart out to the classics on the side of a mountain.

The French love to party, so give them a beautiful backdrop, booming tunes and unlimited cocktails and they’ll create the perfect post-skiing soirée.

Val d’Isère: Take the lively La Folie Douce in Val d’Isère, which offers the ultimate high altitude clubbing experience atop the Plein Sud slope. The party starts at 1430 and brings together live DJs, bands, glitter and champagne on an outdoor terrace. Don’t worry if you’re staying in nearby Tignes as you’ll get a piece of the party too – just ski over to this bar. And if you’re in some of the other popular French resorts like Val Thorens and Alpe d’Huez, you won’t miss out on the fun as La Folie Douce also has bars there too.

Tignes: If you want to sample Tignes’ nightlife then Crowded House is a good place to start as it’s extremely popular with the Brits, as is Scotty’s Bar. Shots are compulsory here, so get ready for some Jägerbombs.

Les Deux Alpes: More early doors parties kick off in the vibrant Alpine resort of Les Deux Alpes. Home to over 30 bars, the place to be after a day on the slopes is Le Pano Bar who present a daily offering of entertainment including DJ sets, dancers and a saxophonist.

The Italian culture of good food and wine blends perfectly with the importance to relax on the slopes. Think laid-back, lengthy dinners followed by calm drinks in cosy bars.

Val di Fassa: Canazei in Val di Fassa will give you a true taste of après ski in Italy. At sunset, ski into the Gran Bar Pecol to sample their mountainous menu of drinks, followed by a visit to At The Cliff for a host of cocktails and themed nights.

Sauze d’Oulx: Sauze d'Oulx’s nightlife is dominated by après ski happy hours and inexpensive drinks – which obviously makes for a good night! Begin the partying on the side of the slopes at Capanna Mulino, where you’ll be encouraged to dance to the live music on the terrace. Once you’re off your skis in the town, head to the Moncrons bar for rounds of cocktails or the popular Irish pub, Paddy McGinty’s where fancy dress is rewarded with a free shot.

Livigno: The tax-free party haven of Livigno claims to be the birthplace of the lethal Bombardino drink, so why not sample one at Kosmo and stay until the early hours. With cheap drinks and late night themed-pubs, like Stalet, you’re sure to have a night to remember and wake up with a headache you’ll want to forget!

Sestrière: It’s fun to start your après on the piste whilst you’re fresh from the thrill of the last run down. Even though it’s usually busier at the weekends, Sestrière‘s mountain bars will entertain you. La Gargote has a well-placed sun terrace and boasts the liveliest après in the resort. Plus there’s a live DJ to keep your feet moving.

The Grandvalira ski area has the best choice of nightlife in Andorra. From Scandinavian style bars to outdoor party terraces, there’s a lot to experience, both on the piste and in the resort towns.

Soldeu and El Tarter: In Soldeu and El Tarter, the slopeside Veuve Cliquot bar adds a bit of style with its outdoor terrace and lounge, whilst offering a smooth selection of tunes from house DJs. Another hotspot in these resorts is L’Abarset, a massive al fresco club, with n excellent tapas restaurant attached to it. Stay late and party the night away with the seasonnaires.

Arinsal: If you’re out and about in Arinsal, don’t be surprised if you’re approached by a few ‘reps’ from the bars. It’s normal for them to give out flyers with special offers – so take whatever they’re offering! In Cisco’s the Mexican cave bar, you’ll be treated to free nachos and chilled out, funky house music.

You need to be on a later timeframe when you ski in Spain as traditionally, everyone takes a siesta after finishing on the slopes. That said, you can start the après early with a glass of champagne at the Moët Winter Lounge on Beret‘s mountainside.

Baqueira Beret: Après starts in the resorts at around 1800 and as you would imagine, there’s a tapas bar on every corner of Baqueira, with most serving great wines to accompany the small plates. For the after party, everyone heads to Tiffany’s for some dancing, if you still have the legs for it!